Maritime Antiques

Preserving Antiques ~ Maritime Collectibles Need TLC When You Want To Protect Their Value

If the lure of the sea is in your blood and you’ve started collecting some of your favorite nautical items, and if your treasures are in good condition and good working order, then let’s presume you’d like to keep them that way.

Here are some general ideas to help you take action in preserving antiques and your maritime collectables.

Russian Chronometer Antique Box Offers Protection

The Russian Chronometer Antique Box offers protection to the chronometer instrument, but do not overlook the care needed for this valuable antique box. The wood and fittings in this antique box needs TLC, too! Having the instrument enclosed in it's original antique box makes this maritime collectable for more valuable.

When preserving your treasures, know that exposure to light, air, temperature and humidity can take its toll.

For such items as brass lights, lanterns and ships’ instruments — anything brass — determine if it’s raw solid brass or brass plated and lacquered. For raw brass, washing in a mild solution of dish soap and warm water will eliminate oily residue from handling. If there are spots or the finish is dull in sections, use a good metal polish and then clean with the mild solution, rinse and towel dry. If your item is brass plated, it probably also has a coat of lacquer on it to prevent deterioration. If the item looks worn, carefully remove the lacquer, apply a good metal polish and wipe with a clean cloth. Reapply lacquer on brass plated items, as plating alone deteriorates quickly.

Wood collections are most at risk if they are subjected to high humidity. The more “temperate” the environment, the better, as high humidity or extreme dryness will cause warping and splitting, neither of which is an easy fix and usually requires professional restoration. It’s advised that you limit the amount of light your treasure is subjected to, as light damage is irreversible. According to an excerpt from Laura Kubick’s book, Caring for Wood Art, 50 lux or less is best for colored woods and dyed woods, and 50-150 lux is safe for less sensitive woods, like hard woods used on ships’ wheels, propellers, some ship models, etc. She also suggests keeping your wooden treasures away from fireplaces and areas of extreme heat and cold. Keep the piece dusted, using a soft bristle brush; you can also wipe wooden objects with a damp cloth, and then dry it with a lint-free towel.

Antique charts and maps are in vogue for collectors who enjoy the visuals of seafaring journeys and explorations of the past. Paintings and lithographs of famous ships are another trend for the visually-inclined.

Hand-Drawn Antique Nautical Map

Preserving priceless items and collectables is not difficult, but consider the following:

• Avoid over handling, especially charts and maps, as paper is vulnerable. Use gloves.
• Do not expose to sunlight for long periods of time. Too much sunlight will cause the piece to become brittle or discolored.
• Keep the item in a temperate environment. Avoid placing in attics and basements, which causes discoloration and mold.
• Find out if the work should be placed behind glass or simply matted and framed. Matting can support the artwork, but must be acid-free. Seek out knowledgeable framers.

Enjoy your treasures and keep them safe. Watch for changes in condition and then act accordingly.